Douglas Brooks AZ

From Ecstasy to Possibility
Shiva Nataraja’s Dances

Shiva as Nataraja, Lord of the Dance, is the symbol of ecstasy, power, beauty, and possession. There is likely no more recognizable image from Hindu lore. But the posture of Nataraja’s dance is but one of thousands and each and every one has a meaning and tells its own story. In our seminar we will look at the famous Dance of Bliss, the familiar Nataraja, but our objective is to deepen and broaden our vision of the Dancer. We’ll focus on the Seven Dances and learn the steps it will take to fathom the nearly innumerable forms Shiva dances. Why does he dance? What does it mean for us, in our own human experience? Can we dance as Shiva dances? Come explore the mythologies, images, and concepts that invite us to ourselves in ways we might not have imagined before. No previous experience or exposure to the materials required or expected. Just come with an open mind and a willing heart.

Shiva as Nataraja, Lord of the Dance, is the symbol of ecstasy, power, beauty, and possession.

Dr. Douglas Brooks

Dr. Douglas Brooks is among the world’s leading scholars of Hindu Tantrism and the esoteric traditions of the Goddess. He is also a scholar of south Asian languages and the comparative study of religions. Currently, Dr. Brooks is Professor of Religion and Chair of Asian Studies at the University of Rochester, NY.

Dates & Times

Click on dates to see what times are available on those days. At the Arizona Sundance Studio